Garment hanger with adjustable shoulder section and non-slip crease free horizontal pants section

ABSTRACT

A garment hanger that will accommodate a large range of sizes and designs of shirts, coats, pants, and dresses while providing an infinite number of shoulder positions within its minimum and maximum range. The garment hanger of the present invention comprises a pair of stationary shoulder bars and a pair of adjustable shoulder bars which are attached to the stationary shoulder bars. The tubular contoured shape of the garment hanger prevents dimples, bumps and creases on the shoulder section of any garment by simply and easily sliding the adjustable shoulder bars into the desired width using only friction to adjust and remain in position. Moreover, the garment hanger further comprises a horizontal section for pants which has a broader contour shape and is completely covered by a thin non-slip material such as a rubber thin layer to secure pants in position without causing lines or creases.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a garment hanger, and more particularly to a garment hanger with easy sliding shoulder adjustment section and non-slip, crease-free horizontal pants section.

2. Description of Related Art

The use of garment hangers is known in the prior art. More specifically, garment hangers devised and utilized for hanging a variety of garment sizes and designs and mitigating the formation of bumps on the shoulder structure of garments are known in the prior art.

By way of example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,344,054 to Nutter discloses an adjustable garment hanger which has opposing longitudinally slotted stationary arms, a hook, dowel holder, and a stationary dowel for hanging lower body clothing. The invention is composed of several parts that make adjustments inconvenient and leads to lost parts that are required for the adjustments.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,068,166 to Kilian et al. discloses an adjustable garment hanger having two sliding bars and a hanger body with stationary strap hooks and support gussets. The sliding bars fit the top bar of the hanger body by way of grooves and use only contact friction and garment weight to remain in selected positions once they are adjusted. The invention can use better and simple mechanism to provide better friction to retain the sliding bars in selected position.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,672,491 to Gugler discloses a garment hanger which has first and second shoulder bars and has first and second telescoping arms thereon which permit shoulder width adjustment of the garment hanger for proper support of garments having different shoulder width.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,182,231 to Greiner discloses a garment hanger that can hold articles yet is very thin so that it takes up minimal closet space. In addition, the shape of the holder reduces creases and dimples formed on the article of clothing and non-slip surfaces help prevent clothes from slipping off.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,213,729 to Machlica discloses a garment hanger contemplates a curvilinear frame which includes a hook, a pair of garment engaging arms, and an interconnecting strut. The garment engaging arms are continuously curvilinear and define the maximum width of the hanger. The curvilinear profile of the garment engaging arms is selected to minimize or preclude deformation or puckering of the garment.

Although garment hangers with adjustable shoulder section for properly supporting various sizes of garments are known in the prior art as mentioned in the foregoing sections, most hangers in the marketplace are of a fixed size/width which do not accommodate those with broader shoulders without leaving bumps or marks. Lacking of successful garment hangers with adjustable shoulder section may be due to their complex designs or expensive manufacturing costs which are not customers friendly. Therefore, there still exist needs for a garment hanger capable of adapting to different garment sizes, simple to use, and inexpensive to manufacture. Moreover, such a garment hanger should also have a horizontal pants section that can provide non-slip as well as crease-free function for hanging pants.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is disclosed a garment hanger according to the present invention which will accommodate a large range of sizes and designs of shirts, coats, pants, and dresses while providing an infinite number of shoulder positions within its minimum and maximum range. The garment hanger of the present invention comprises a typical garment hanger main body which comprises a hanger, a pair of stationary shoulder bars and a garment rail, and a pair of adjustable shoulder bars which are attached to the stationary shoulder bars. The tubular plastic contoured shape of the garment hanger according to the present invention prevents dimples, bumps and creases on the shoulder section of any garment by simply and easily sliding the adjustable shoulder bars into the desired width using only friction to adjust and remain in position. The friction is provided by using a piece(s) of resilient material such as rubber or other suitable materials between the stationary and adjustable shoulder bars.

The garment hanger of the present invention further comprises a horizontal section, completely covered with non slip material (e.g. rubber thin layer), which has notched ends so that it can be snapped into place on the garment rail to secure pants or skirts in position without causing lines or creases. The horizontal section may be an integral part of the garment hanger and molded into the overall garment assembly. In an alternate embodiment, the horizontal section is a standalone piece which can be snapped into place as an option to the end user versus being extruded with the garment rail.

The most common use envisioned is to place coat or shirt or dress over the garment hanger while in its closed or minimal width position. Then simply extend the sliding width adjustment shoulder bars to the exact position of the garment. If a change in width is needed the shoulder bars can be simply slide in either direction for custom fit to different garment. Most hangers are of a fixed size/width which do not accommodate those with broader shoulders without leaving bumps or marks. In keeping with the theme of eradicating unsightly marks or causing extra ironing to rid the marks from an ordinary hanger the improved horizontal (pants) section of the hanger is devised as well with a broader contoured shape completely covered with a non-slip material such as rubber. The thin rubber provides friction that prevents pants from falling it also has crease-free function.

The more important features of the invention have thus been outlined in order that the more detailed description that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may better be appreciated. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter and will form the subject matter of the claims that follow.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The foregoing has outlined, rather broadly, the preferred feature of the present invention so that those skilled in the art may better understand the detailed description of the invention that follows. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims of the invention. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they can readily use the disclosed conception and specific embodiment as a basis for designing or modifying other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention and that such other structures do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention in its broadest form.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description, the appended claim, and the accompanying drawings in which similar elements are given similar reference numerals.

FIG. 1 is an embodiment of the adjustable garment hanger 100 according to the present invention in its retracted shape.

FIG. 2 shows the embodiment disclosed in FIG. 1 where the adjustable shoulder bars 2 being in fully extended shape.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the adjustable garment hanger 100 in fully extended shape and a top view showing the horizontal section 12 having a broader contour shape completely covered by a thin non-slip material such as rubber to secure pants in position and prevent pants from creasing.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIGS. 1-2, there is disclosed an embodiment of the adjustable garment hanger 100 according to the present invention in its retracted shape (FIG. 1) and in its fully extended shape (FIG. 2).

In this embodiment, the garment hanger 100 comprises a garment hanger main body which includes a hook shaped hanging structure (referred as “hook” hereinafter) 6 located in the center and top of the garment hanger 100; a pair of oppositely directed stationary shoulder bars 4 (referred as “stationary bars” hereinafter) connected to the bottom of and extending outwardly and downwardly from the hook 6, each of the stationary bars 4 has an upper end which is close to the hook 6 and a lower end where the stationary bar 4 meets the garment rail 11; and a garment rail 11 connecting the lower end of the two stationary bars 4. The distance between the two lower ends of the two stationary bars 4 defines the width of the shoulder section of the garment hanger 100 in its retracted shape (FIG. 1).

Furthermore, the garment hanger 100 according to the principle of the present invention comprises a pair of adjustable shoulder bars (referred as “adjustable bars” hereinafter) 2, each of which is disposed on top of and in parallel with the respective stationary bar 4 through a resilient elment 7. Each of the adjustable bar 2 has a longitudinal groove 8 on the face towards the stationary bar 4 along the almost entire length of the adjustable bars 2 to fit the contour of the stationary bar 4. The resilient element 7 has a half tubular shape with a concave side 71 which would connect to the upper end of the groove 8 by fastening means and a convex side 72 which would sit on top of the stationary bar 4. The element 7 may have a notch 73 to fit into the stationary bar's lower end when the garment hanger is in fully extended position. Once secured on top of the stationary bar 4, the resilient element 7 encloses majority of the circumference of the stationary bar 4 and encircles partial length of the respective stationary bar 4 with clearance (space) such that the adjustable bar 2 together with the resilient element 7 can make longitudinal movement along the length of the stationary bar 4. When the adjustable bar 2 with the resilient element 7 moves away from the hook 6, the distance between the lower ends of the two adjustable bars 2 defines a new shoulder section width of the garment hanger 100. This piece of resilient element 7 helps to retain the adjustable bar 2 in place at any extended length by friction thus providing infinite number of shoulder positions within its minimum (in fully retracted shape) and maximum range (in fully extended shape). Each of the stationary and adjustable bars 4, 2 has rounded shape on the lower end so as to cause no bumps on the garment.

In another embodiment, the garment hanger 100 according to the present invention may further comprise a horizontal section 12 (FIG. 3), which can be an integral part of the garment hanger 100 or as a standalone piece that can be snapped into the garment hanger 100 as an option to the end user. The horizontal section 12 having a notch 13 on both ends so that it can be snapped into the lower ends of the stationary bars 4 on the garment rail 11 for pants, and skirts, etc. The improved horizontal (pants) section 12 according to the present invention is devised with a broader contoured shape completely covered by a thin non-slip material such as rubber to provide friction thus securing pants in position without causing lines or creases on the pants.

The main body of the garment hanger 100 according to the present invention including stationary bars 4, hook 6, and garment rail 11 may be constructed of molded plastic as a single unit. The main body of the garment hanger 100 may also be manufactured from wood and/or other suitable material. The adjustable bars 2 may be made from plastic and/or other suitable material. The resilient material 7 disposed on the stationary bars 4 may be made of rubber and/or other suitable material that provides flexibility and friction.

While there have been shown and described and pointed out the fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention and not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments discussed were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are entitled. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An adjustable garment hanger comprising: a garment hanger body including a hook shaped hanging structure located in the center and top of a garment hanger; and a pair of oppositely directed stationary shoulder bars connected to the bottom of and extending outwardly and downwardly from the hook shaped hanging structure, each having an upper end closer to the hook shaped hanging structure and a lower end, and a garment rail having two ends connecting the lower end of each of the stationary shoulder bars; a pair of adjustable shoulder bars each having an upper end and a lower end, each disposed on top of the respective stationary shoulder bar having a groove configured to face and fit the contour of the respective stationary shoulder bar; and a pair of resilient element made from resilient material each connected to the upper end of the groove of the respective adjustable shoulder bar and encircling partial length of the respective stationary shoulder bar with clearance such that the adjustable shoulder bar together with the resilient element can make longitudinal movement along the length of the stationary shoulder bar to adjust the width of the shoulder section of the garment hanger and the adjustable shoulder bar can be held in the selected position by the friction provided by the resilient element.
 2. The adjustable garment hanger according to claim 2 further comprises a horizontal section having two notched ends.
 3. The adjustable garment hanger according to claim 2, wherein the horizontal section is an integral part of the garment hanger.
 4. The adjustable garment hanger according to claim 2, wherein the horizontal section is a standalone piece which can be snapped into place on the garment rail.
 5. The adjustable garment hanger according to claim 2, wherein the horizontal section has a broader contour shape and is completely covered with a thin non-slip material including but not limited to rubber to secure pants in position without causing lines or creases.
 6. The adjustable garment hanger according to claim 1, wherein the stationary shoulder bars and adjustable shoulder bars having tubular plastic contoured shape to prevent dimples bumps and creases.
 7. The adjustable garment hanger according to claim 2, wherein the garment hanger body, adjustable shoulder bars, and horizontal section are made from molded plastic.
 8. The adjustable garment hanger according to claim 2, wherein the garment hanger body, adjustable shoulder bars, and horizontal section are made from wood.
 9. The adjustable garment hanger according to claim 1, wherein the resilient elements are made from rubber.
 10. An adjustable garment hanger comprising: a garment hanger body including a hook shaped hanging structure located in the center and top of a garment hanger; a pair of oppositely directed stationary shoulder bars connected to the bottom of and extending outwardly and downwardly from the hook shaped hanging structure, each having an upper end closer to the hook shaped hanging structure and a lower end; a pair of adjustable shoulder bars each having an upper end and a lower end, each disposed on top of the respective stationary shoulder bar having a groove configured to face and fit the contour of the respective stationary shoulder bar; and a pair of resilient elements made from resilient material each connected to the upper end of the groove of the respective adjustable shoulder bar and encircling partial length of the respective stationary shoulder bar with clearance such that the adjustable shoulder bar together with the resilient element can make longitudinal movement along the length of the stationary shoulder bar to adjust the width of the shoulder section of the garment hanger and the adjustable shoulder bar can be held in the selected position by the friction provided by the resilient element.
 11. The adjustable garment hanger according to claim 11, further comprises a horizontal section which has notched ends to be snapped into the garment hanger.
 12. The adjustable garment hanger according to claim 11, wherein the horizontal section has a broader contour shape and is completely covered with a thin non-slip material including but not limited to rubber to secure pants in position without causing lines or creases.
 13. The adjustable garment hanger according to claim 11, wherein the garment hanger body, adjustable shoulder bars, and horizontal section are made from molded plastic.
 14. The adjustable garment hanger according to claim 11, wherein the garment hanger body, adjustable shoulder bars, and horizontal section are made from wood.
 15. The adjustable garment hanger according to claim 11, wherein the adjustable shoulder bars are made of plastic or wood.
 16. An adjustable garment hanger comprising: a garment hanger body including a hook shaped hanging structure located in the center and top of a garment hanger; a pair of oppositely directed stationary shoulder bars connected to the bottom of and extending outwardly and downwardly from the hook shaped hanging structure, each having an upper end closer to the hook shaped hanging structure and a lower end; and a horizontal pants section having two notched ends attached to the lower end of each of the stationary shoulder bars and having a broader contour shape and is completely covered by a thin non-slip material including rubber to secure pants in position without causing lines or creases; a pair of adjustable shoulder bars each having an upper end and a lower end, each disposed on top of the respective stationary shoulder bar having a groove configured to face and fit the contour of the respective stationary shoulder bar; and a pair of resilient elements made from resilient material each connected to the upper end of the groove of the respective adjustable shoulder bar and encircling partial length of the respective stationary shoulder bar with clearance such that the adjustable shoulder bar together with the resilient element can make longitudinal movement along the length of the stationary shoulder bar to adjust the width of the shoulder section of the garment hanger and the adjustable shoulder bar can be held in the selected position by the friction provided by the resilient element; 